ambassador to britain for france. abc's david wright looks at her legacy. >> reporter: she's a woman renowned for exquisite taste and withering looks. the inspiration for meryl streep's character in "the devil wears prada." >> you have no style or sense of fashion. >> i think that depends on what -- >> no, no, wasn't a question. >> reporter: a portrayal anna wintour may not have enjoyed but she told barbara walters she respected it. >> did you recognize any part of yourself? >> well, i'm a very decisive person, so if meryl seemed somewhat strong, i respect that. >> reporter: she is the single most powerful woman in the fashion industry. her influence felt not just on the runway but in the shopping malls, too, as the documentary "the september issue" revealed, the editor of "vogue" dent mince words. >> i feel it's quite one-dimensional. >> reporter: she raised millions for the president's re-election. >> please join us, just don't be late. >> reporter: and politicians often reward their biggest fund-raisers. but ambass